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Act One: The Slave and The Master By Nas
In the Macbeth play, Lady Macbeth tempts Macbeth to abandon his innocent self and become viler by killing King Duncan. This would require Macbeth to “ignore the obvious” (as mention in the song), which is to ignore his morality, to obtain power. In other words, Macbeth would let his greed get the better of him so that he may fulfill his ambition, to become king. In the song, Nas states the he “spit Moses’ commandments...out [his] mouth” symbolizing Macbeth’s desire to become king rather than rul -
Act One: Run This Town By Jay Z feat. Rihanna and Kanye West
This song name can be used to represent Macbeth’s initiation into becoming King of Scotland. However, the song itself contains features of Macbeth still justifying the actions he is taking to become king. For example, in the chorus, Rihanna sings, “Life’s a game but it’s not fair, I break the rules so I don’t care”. The unfairness of Macbeth’s life can refer to him not being given the same opportunities as Duncan before the murdering him. Macbeth also states, "False face must hide what the false -
Act Two: Lose Yourself By Eminem
The song is used to represent the first murder that takes place. During the process Macbeth ‘loses himself’ in order to get what he desires. It shows how he fights the temptations telling him to stay innocent and avoid committing such a terrible sin. The introduction of the song shows the process of him thinking the action through. As Eminem starts his verse, a representation of Macbeth carrying out the murdering is made. Eminem also says, “Make me king,” which is Macbeth’s desire in the play. -
Act Two: Rest in Peace By Jim Johnston
The song name refers to what is said when one has passed away (or dies). Death is a main theme of the Macbeth play, especially in Act 2 because the first killing takes place in this act. This killing is especially significant because it is the murder of the King Duncan, king of Scotland. Macbeth states that “It is the bloody business which informs
Thus to mine eyes” (2.1.49-50). In the song itself, there are women in the background singing in high-pitched voices (possibly chanting), thunder stri -
Act Three: Drake feat. Jay Z – Light Up (Instrumental)
The song name can refer to Macbeth’s world lighting up again after feeling guilty about killing King Duncan because he is now about to commit a second murder in Act 3 (this time murdering Banquo). Macbeth now understands that the risks he must take to remain king are not easy for his former innocent self to handle, so he accepts this to feel satisfied about his actions. He says specifically, "come fate into the list,
And champion me to th' utterance" (3.1.74-75). The song starts with high piano -
Act Three: Closer By Neyo
This song can represent the fact that Macbeth is being manipulated by his new, evil mind state, whereby he does whatever he can to remain King of Scotland, even if it means committing unforgiveable sins like murder. Neyo sings, “She [his evil side] want to own me, to control me,” which shows this. “She” can also represent his power as king. He then sings, “Come closer,” showing that Macbeth is willing to live with his evil self. He mention to his wife that, "there shall be done a deed of dreadfu -
Act Four: The Instrumental By Lupe Fiasco
The main theme of this song a depressed man who is not able to talk but listens to what people say. This can refer to Macduff, who becomes extremely distraught after the loss of his family. Instead of blaming Macbeth for murdering them, he blames himself. This depressed man can also refer to Malcolm, as Macbeth killed his father King Duncan, thus taking the throne from his family. Lupe sings, “He just sits, and listens to the people in the boxes, everything he hears he absorbs and adopts it,’ sh -
Act Four:The Way I Am By Eminem
In this song, Eminem mentions all that critics tell him about himself and his music and this song was made as a response to them. As mentioned before the oppressed man can refer to Macduff, who becomes especially depressed after losing his family. Malcolm, who can also be represented in this song, seems to accept what people are telling him about him becoming a more suitable king than Macbeth, hence in the song Eminem sings, “I am whatever you say I am”. Malcolm himself tells Macduff, "this nobl -
Act Five: Run Rabbit Run By Eminem
This song can refer to Malcolm and his abundance of potential to become a noble man in Scotland even though he is not quite there yet, as Eminem mentions, “If I could just put it all into all I spit instead of trying to swallow it.” Eminem also mentions, “I’m about to kill it, I can feel it buildin’ up,” referring to our approach towards the climax of the play, Macduff finally killing Macbeth. The music in the background also has a rising action feel where we approach the end of the play. Also -
Act Five Not Afraid By Eminem
In this song, Eminem is finally being brave enough to face his demons head on as he sings, “I’m standing up, Imma face my demons.” This bravery can refer to Macbeth being brave enough to attack Macduff head on even after he realizes that Macduff will be the one to kill him at the very end. This was all after he realizes that "Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more" (5.5.23-25).
